Media storage disk case

ABSTRACT

An improved media storage disk case is disclosed which includes an axis of rotation, a clipping means, and a method of connecting the clipping means such that the tray is restrained from being removed from the clipping means by a retention element.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a media storage disk case. Mediastorage disk cases such as DVD boxes or CD boxes or CD-Rom boxes are acommon form of providing protection to a disk contained within the boxor case. DVD boxes are commonly made from a plastics material which hasbeen injection moulded normally from a single piece and provides a baseand lid portion defining covers. These can move relative to each otherby a hinge structure which allows the pivoting movement of the base andlid to assume a closed condition providing an enclosure to the interiorof the case and an opened condition allowing the contents of the case tobe accessed by a user. Such boxes or cases will include a rosette ontowhich a disk is mounted. The rosette is normally contained on either thelid or base and allows for the releasable fastening of a disk with thecase. Some DVD's or CD-Rom's or the like cannot contain all the datadesired to be provided in a single retail pack. In such situations itbecomes necessary for a case to be capable of retaining more than onedisk. Where more than one disk is retained by the case, accessibility toboth disks becomes an issue such that when the case is in an openedcondition a person can conveniently have access to both disks as andwhen desired. DVD cases often include a booklet of information andgraphics relating to the contents of the disk and such a booklet isnormally provided to the inside surface of the lid of the covers. Thebooklet is normally clipped in place and as a consequence of the bookletbeing provided to one of the covers, it is not possible for a secondrosette feature to be provided to the other cover for holding a disk.With reference to for example FIG. 15, where there is shown a CD case inthe opened condition, it can be seen that the base is provided with adisk mounting region whereas the lid is absent of such a feature sincethis is where the booklet will be clipped.

Prior art DVD cases have addressed this issue by providing a second diskmounting tray which can be clipped to clipping features of the case.With reference to FIG. 18 which is a side view of a prior art tray, itcan be seen that the tray will include a disk mounting region 20 and anaxle 21 of a circular cross-section the axle capable of being clippedwith the clipping features such as the clipping features 22 as shown inFIG. 14. The axle 21 (for example with reference to FIG. 17) may beprovided in a duplicate form and can engage with respective clippingfeatures of a case wherein the tray can then flip from side to side in amanner to cover and uncover the base panel located disk as and whendesired. However the problem with the prior art trays is that theclipping feature 22 provides merely a constant clipping force to thetray engaged with the case. Accordingly the force required for insertingthe axle 21 of the tray with the clipping feature 22 is substantiallythe same force required for the removal of the tray from the clippingfeature. It is undesirable for the tray to be removable from the case bya consumer as this can result in the loss of the tray including thepotential for losing the second disk of the set of disks. When the trayis in a direction extending perpendicular to the lid and base when inthe opened condition for example as shown in FIG. 14, it is notsignificantly difficult for the prior art trays to be pulled upwardly byhand and become separated from the case. This problem has accordinglybeen the attention of the inventor who has developed a new configurationwhich has a tray held with variable retention force to the case.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a mediastorage disk case which addresses the abovementioned disadvantages orwhich will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

A further problem that exists with the prior art trays of a kind as forexample shown with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 is that when the case isin a closed condition and is subjected to shock caused for example bythe dropping of the case, a failure of the connection between the trayand the case can occur. Where the case is dropped such that the shockforces are in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the trayto the case, it may be that the clipping features of the tray break awayfrom the tray. Where the shock force direction is in a directiontransverse to the axis of rotation of the tray, the shock forces may besufficient for either the clipping features to break away from the trayor resulting in the clipping features from merely releasing the tray. Itis to be appreciated that when a disk is mounted on the tray, the trayand disk assembly will have a significant weight which upon shockloading can subject significant forces to the interface between theclipping feature 22 and the axle 21. This problem has also been theattention of the inventor who has developed a new configuration whichreduces or overcomes this problem. Accordingly it is also an object ofthe present invention to provide a media storage disk case whichaddresses the problems associated with such breakage or failure ofengagement or which will at least provide the public with a usefulchoice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention consists in a media storage diskcase comprising

a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingablyengage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivotingmovement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closedcondition wherein said first and second covers are in overlayingengagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within whichat least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an opencondition exposing the interior,

a tray including a means to mount a said media storage disk

at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosureside from one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c)said hinge, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legsresiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining aslot therebetween with a mouth opening and wherein at least one leg isprovided with a retention element

said tray including an axle defining an axis of rotation for said tray,said axle captured in said slot between said pair of legs in a mannerallowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said covers about theaxis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said open condition),said axle having extending therefrom at least one projection extendingtransverse to the axis of rotation and cooperative with said retentionelement at least then said tray is in a first relative rotationalcondition about said axis of rotation in which said tray is restrainedfrom being removed from said clipping means as a result of engagement ofsaid retention element with said projection.

Preferably said tray is a planar tray without upstands save for saidmeans to mount.

Preferably said tray is a tray with an at least in part perimeterupstanding wall.

Preferably when said axle is inserted between said pair of legs, saidprojection has a direction of projection which is lateral to saidretention element and disposed to that side of said legs which aremounted, said retention element presenting a surface towards the sidewhere said legs are mounted, which surface provides interference to themovement of said projection in a direction lateral to the axis ofrotation, said direction lateral being in a direction removing said trayfrom said clipping means.

Preferably said first relative rotational condition is when said tray isparallel to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

Preferably said first relative rotational condition is when said tray isnot transverse to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

Preferably said tray in another relative rotational condition is moreeasily removed from said clipping means, said rotation being when saidtray is not parallel to the direction of projection of said clippingmeans.

Preferably said tray in another relative rotational condition is moreeasily removed from said clipping feature said other relative rotationalcondition is when said plane of said tray is transverse to the directionof projection of said clipping means.

Preferably said hinge is a spine which extends between and joinsjuxtaposed sides of said first and second cover and includes at leastone hinge line to allow said pivotal movement of said first and secondcovers.

Preferably first and second covers are of a quadrilateral plan shape andsaid spine extends between at least part of and joins juxtaposed sidesof said first and second cover.

Preferably said spine is of a width substantially equal to the thicknessof said media storage disk case when said covers are in said closedcondition and said clipping means project from said spine.

Preferably said spine is flanked by two hinge lines one on each sidethereof.

Preferably said axle extends beyond the perimeter of said tray.

Preferably said media storage disk case is a multi media storage diskcase and wherein one of said first and second disk covers includes amedia storage disk rosette for mounting a media storage disk.

Preferably said media storage disk case is, excluding said tray, aunitary moulded member.

Preferably said axle extends within the perimeter of said tray.

Preferably two said clipping means are provided and two correspondingaxles are provided by said tray, said two clipping means provided in aspaced apart relationship.

Preferably said two axles are provided at one edge of said tray.

Preferably said two axles are provided each at one end of said one edgeof said tray.

Preferably said tray is of a size slightly smaller that the plan shapesize of said first and second covers.

Preferably said projection and said retention element both positioned ina manner to be in alignment within a plane perpendicular to the axis ofrotation.

Preferably said retention element extends from a said leg in a directionparallel to the axis of rotation.

Preferably at least one leg includes a recess (whether a through recessor a blind recess on the slot side of said clipping means) extendingparallel to a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said recessbounded in part by said retention element at a location of said legabove at where said leg is mounted, wherein within said recess saidprojection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

Preferably each leg includes a recess (whether a through recess or ablind recess on the slot side of said clipping means) extending parallelto a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said recess in partbounded by said retention element at a location of said leg above atwhere said leg is mounted wherein within said recess said projection isable to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

Preferably at least one leg is arch shaped and provides an opening of aplane parallel to the said axis of rotation, said opening in partbounded by said retention element at a location of said leg above atwhere said leg is mounted, wherein within said opening said projectionis able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

Preferably each said leg has extending therefrom a said retentionelement.

Preferably said axle includes two said projections lateral to the axisof rotation and extending in opposite directions to each other.

Preferably said projections are in alignment with each other when viewedin a direction perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

Preferably said projections are off set from each other when viewed in adirection perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

Preferably said projections when seen in said direction coaxial withsaid axis of rotation form with said tray a “T” shaped configuration,said tray being the shank of said “T” shape and said projectionstogether define the cross bar member of said “T” shape.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a tray for a mediastorage disk case of a kind comprising a first cover and a second coverand an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and secondcovers to each other to allow the movement of said first and secondcovers between a closed condition wherein said first and second coversare in overlapping engagement with each other to define an interiorenclosure therebetween within which at least one media storage disk maybecome secured and an open condition exposing the interior, said traycomprising

(1) a means to mount a said media storage disk, said tray to be clippedto one of (a) one of said covers and (b) said hinge, in a manner suchthat when said first and second covers are in said open condition saidtray can flip between two rotational conditions, by being engaged at atleast one clip fit clipping means which defines a slot between two legsresiliently movable relative to each other

(2) an axle to be captured between said slot said axle including atleast one projection in a lateral direction to said axle which at leastwhen said tray is in a first rotational position is in interference witha retention member of said clipping means, retaining the tray in clipfit engagement more so than when said tray is in a second rotationalcondition.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a mediastorage disk case with which a disk mounting tray can be engagedcomprising a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge tohingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow thepivoting movement of said first cover with said second cover between (i)a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are inoverlapping engagement with each other to define an enclosed interiorwithin which at least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) anopen condition exposing the interior,

at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosureside from one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c)said hinge, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legsresiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining aslot therebetween with a mouth opening and wherein at least one leg isprovided with a retention element

wherein said tray is of a kind which includes a means to mount a saidmedia storage disk

and said tray includes, at the perimeter of said disk holding tray, anaxle defining an axis of rotation of said tray, said axle capturedbetween said pair of legs in manner allowing the pivoting of said trayrelative to said covers about the axis of rotation (at least when saidcovers are in said open condition), said axle having extending therefromat least one projection extending transverse to the axis of rotation andcooperative with said retention element at least then said tray is in afirst relative rotational condition about said axis of rotation in whichsaid tray is restrained from being removed from said clipping means as aresult of engagement of said retention element with said projection.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a media storagedisk case comprising

a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingablyengage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivotingmovement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closedcondition wherein said first and second covers are in overlayingengagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within whichat least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an opencondition exposing the interior,

a tray including a means to mount a said media storage disk

at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosureside from one of (a) said first and (b) second cover and (c) hingestructure, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legsresiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining aslot therebetween with a mouth opening

said tray including, at its perimeter, an axle defining an axis ofrotation for said tray, said axle captured in said slot between saidpair of legs in manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative tosaid covers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are insaid open condition),

said tray including a means cooperative with a locator feature disposedform the interior side of at least one of said first and second coverswhen such are in said closed condition, in a manner to restrain themovement of said tray in at least one direction within or parallel to aplane to which said axis of rotation is parallel.

Preferably said means cooperative includes a surface which is locatedagainst a surface of a locator feature of at least one of said first andsecond covers when such are in said closed condition said surfacesprovided in a manner to restrain the movement of said tray in at leastone direction within a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel,when first and second covers when such are in said closed condition.

Preferably said means cooperative includes a surface extending at leastin a direction parallel to the plane which is located against a surfaceof a locator feature also extending at least in a direction parallel tosaid plane when such are in said closed condition.

Preferably a surface said means cooperative is located against a surfaceof a locator feature of at least one of said first and second coverswhen such are in said closed condition said surfaces provided in amanner to restrain the movement of said tray in all directions within aplane to which said axis of rotation is parallel and when first andsecond covers when such are in said closed condition.

Preferably a surface said means cooperative is located against a locatorfeature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are insaid closed condition, said locator feature being a projection from atleast one of said first and second covers presenting a surface againstwhich a surface of said means cooperative is in said closed conditionengaged in overlap when viewed in a direction parallel to said plane torestrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction parallel tothe direction of overlap.

Preferably said means cooperative is a projection from said tray.

Preferably said overlap is in a direction parallel to said axis ofrotation.

Preferably said overlap is in a direction transverse to said axis ofrotation.

Preferably said overlap is a direction parallel and transverse to saidaxis of rotation.

Preferably projection of said tray is locates into a recess defined bysaid locator feature of one of said covers.

Preferably recess of said locator feature is a gap provided between saidprojection thereof, comprising of two legs.

Preferably said means cooperative is an edge of said tray.

Preferably said means cooperative is an aperture through said tray.

Preferably said means cooperative is a projection from said tray andpresents a surface located against a locator feature of at least one ofsaid first and second covers when such are in said closed condition,said locator feature selected from being one of an edge and aperture ofsaid at least one of said first and second covers which presenting asurface against which a surface of said projection is in said closedcondition engaged in an overlapping condition when viewed in a directionparallel to said plane to restrain the movement of said tray in at leastone direction parallel to the direction of overlap.

Preferably two said locator features and two corresponding meanscooperative are provided.

Preferably said two locator features and two corresponding meanscooperative are the same but located in spaced apart locations withrespect to said case and said covers.

Where the brief description of an invention relates to one inventiveaspect, it will be appreciated that some or all of the features of suchcan be also incorporated with any of the other inventive aspects hereindescribed. For example the incorporation of aspects relating to thelocator feature may also incorporate the retention and clipping featureaspects and visa-versa.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts,elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification ofthe application, individually or collectively, and any or allcombinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, andwhere specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there is shown inthe drawings a form which is presently preferred. It is being understoodhowever that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsshown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a case absent of its tray,

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a case with a tray engaged therewith the traybeing shown in an overlaying region with the disk mounting region of thebase of the covers of the case,

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a tray,

FIG. 6 is a side view of the tray of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is an end view of the tray of FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is an end view of a plurality of trays of the kind as shown inFIG. 5 being in a stacked configuration,

FIG. 9 is a close up perspective view of the clipping region of the caseengaged with the axle of the tray,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG. 9 but wherein the clipping featurehas been shown in phantom,

FIG. 11 is a sectional view through a case of the present invention inthe closed condition illustrating the mounting of the tray therein,

FIG. 12A is representative of the end view of a tray illustrating a “T”shaped configuration between the tray and the retention feature,

FIG. 12B is a variation of 12A,

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the case and tray prior to being clippedtogether,

FIG. 14 is a close up view of the region of FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a case of the present invention illustratingan alternative location of the clipping features,

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of a case of the present inventionwherein the hinge configuration is different to that of the tray of FIG.2,

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a prior art tray,

FIG. 18 is an end view of the prior art tray of FIG. 17,

FIG. 19 is a side view of a clipping feature showing a slot within whichfeatures of the tray become capture for retention,

FIG. 20 shows an alternative to the clipping feature of FIG. 19

FIG. 21 shows a further alternative to the clipping feature of FIG. 19

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a tray in an open condition illustrating theprovision of two tray locator features provided to the base,

FIG. 23 is a sectional view through section ZZ shown on FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a sectional view through section YY of FIG. 22,

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a tray which can be utilised in associationwith the case of FIG. 22,

FIG. 26 shows the base portion of the case and with which the tray ofFIG. 25 is located,

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a case in an open condition showingalternative forms of locator features provided by the base, and

FIG. 28 is a plan view of a tray which can be utilised in conjunctionwith the locator features of the base of the case of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a case 1 which includes a first cover 2 such as a base anda second cover 3 such as a lid which are hingably engaged to each other.The base and lid are of quadrilateral shape in plan view. With referenceto FIG. 1 the base and lid are preferably of a rectangular quadrilateralshape in plan view. Two complimentary edges of the base and lid areconnected together. In this case the major edges of the rectangularshaped lid and base are connected via a hinge structure 4. In FIG. 1,the hinge structure 4 consists of a spine panel 5 which includes linesof weakness 6 which define the pivot axes for the pivoting of the baseand lid relative to the spine panel 5 and relative to each other. Thespine panel 5 is preferably of the same length as the engaged sides ofthe base and lid however the spine may in an alternative configurationbe of a shorter length. The base, lid and spine panels are preferablymade from a single piece of plastics material and preferably formed byinjection moulding. The base 2 includes a disk mounting region (a firstdisk mounting region) 7 which is capable of receiving a disk (not shown)which can be located at the disk mounting region 7 by means of a rosette8. The rosette 8 is of a kind which allows for a releasable securing ofa disk by its central aperture. When mounted, the disk will be parallelto the planar direction of the base 2. The disk mounting region 7 mayalso include a perimeter 9 which is of a profile which may provideadditional protection to the perimeter of a disk. The disk mountingregion 7 is preferably located substantially centrally on the base 2.The disk mounting region 7 is provided to the interior facing side ofthe base 2, the interior facing side being that side which is locatedwithin the enclosure of the case when the lid and base have been rotatedrelative to each other to be in a substantially overlying condition. Insuch a condition (a closed condition) the lid and base form an enclosurewithin which a disk mounted on the disk mounting region 7 can beprotectively located. A closed condition is for example shown in FIG.11. To provide such an enclosure one or both of the base and lid arepreferably of the same perimeter plan shape and may include upstandingwalls 11 defining a trough between the bounds of such walls.

The lid may include clips 12 which are provided to the interior side ofthe lid and allow for a releasable fastening of a booklet or otherinformation to the interior side of the lid. The hinge structure of theconfiguration of the case as shown in FIG. 1 has a spine feature whichis independently movable to a certain degree (ie by pivoting only), tothe base and lid. However with reference to FIG. 16, a hinge structurebeing merely a line of weakness defined between the base and lid butwithout an independently movable spine may also be provided.

In moving from a closed condition as shown in FIG. 11 to an openedcondition (for normal), the lid and tray move relative to each otherthrough an arc of substantially 180 degrees. In the opened condition thelid and tray form a lay flat configuration as shown in FIG. 2. This willbe a normal mode of use of the case when in the opened conditionproviding access to the interior of the case.

The case allows the incorporation of a tray (as for example shown inFIG. 5) in a manner as preferably shown in FIG. 3. Such a tray isprovided for mounting a second disk to be contained within the enclosureof the case. Such a tray will include a disk mounting region 14 with arosette feature 15 for mounting a disk at its central aperture with thetray 13. The disk mounting region 14 may be of a form to affordprotection to the disk especially at the radial perimeter of the disk.The tray will provide an underlying base portion to a disk mountedthereon and is of a perimeter to extend beyond the perimeter of a diskwhen mounted on the rosette 15. At a perimeter of the tray 13 there areprovided tray mounting features 18 which are preferably axles which arecapable of locating with clipping features of part of the case.

In a preferred form there are provided two such axles 18 which are inaxial alignment along an axis XX and provide an axis of rotation for thetray 13 when assembled with the rest of the case. Whilst preferably twoaxles are provided as shown in FIG. 5 further axles may be incorporatedor may for example be incorporated in a configuration of the provisionof such axles like that of the prior art tray shown in FIG. 17. Howeverto provide sufficient stability and engagement of a tray with part ofthe case of the present invention two axles are sufficient. However itmay be sufficient that a single axle is provided. The axles provide anaxis of rotation about which the tray can rotate to flip betweendifferent rotational conditions relative to the lid and/or base of thecase.

Each axle is capable of locating with a respective clipping feature 23provided as part of the case. The clipping features are preferablyprovided on the spine 5 but may alternatively be provided on the base 2(as shown in FIG. 15) or on the lid 3. When provided on the lid or basethey are preferably close to the spine of close to the edge of the baseor lid away from the spine but which runs parallel therewith. Eachclipping feature 23 preferably consists of a pair of legs 26,27 whichextend from part of the case in a manner to present a slot 24 in betweenand within which an axle 18 of the tray 13 can locate. The clippingfeature 23 may include a fist leg 26 and a second leg 27 having a slot24 therebetween which has a mouth opening region 28 presented at orproximate the distal ends 29 of the legs 26 and 27. The legs 26 and 27being also of a moulded plastics material are resiliently flexiblerelative to each other so that the slot 24 can be of a varying distanceand/or configuration. Whether the clipping features are disposed fromthe base, spine or lid of the case, the tray 13 can flip about the axisXX. With reference to FIG. 3, the tray 13 is shown provided in anoverlying condition with the disk mounting region 7 of the base 2. Thetray 13 can flip about the axis XX to a condition wherein it is providedadjacent the lid 3. Such rotation when the base and lid are in the layflat condition as shown in FIG. 4, rotates the tray substantiallythrough 180 degrees. The tray 13 since it provides the disk mountingregion 14 to one side of the tray, will in the rotational conditionwhere it is provided adjacent the lid 3, expose the disk mounting region7 of the base and cover the disk mounting region 14 of the tray as it islocated proximate most and facing the interior facing surface of the lid3. However the tray 13 may be provided such that when the tray islocated adjacent the base and disk mounting region 7, the disk mountingregion 14 of the tray faces the disk mounting region of the base. Thetray 13 is reversible in that manner such that the desired presentationof the disk is achieved.

The flipping of the tray 13 between its two rotational conditions lyingfacing the base 2 or lying facing the lid 3, provides the tray in asubstantially parallel relationship with the base and tray. Where thebase and the lid are in the lay flat condition as shown in FIG. 4, thetray can rotation between such two rotational positions throughsubstantially 180 degrees.

The clipping feature 23 may include a tapered mouth section 28 whichprovides a gradual and sloping access to the slot 24 of the clippingfeature 23. Insertion of the axle 18 into the slot 24 can be achieved bypressing the axle through the mouth region 28 which guided by thesloping sections introduces the axle within the slot 24 of the clippingfeature 23. The slot 24 may be bounded towards the mouth end by a throatdefining restriction feature 30 on at least one and preferably both ofthe legs 26 and 27. The throat defining restriction features 30 createsa restriction to the movement of the axle once received within the slotfor discouraging its movement out through the opening 29 and consequentdisassociation with the clipping feature 23.

Indeed the slot 24 may open up to a significantly larger opening thanthat defined between the throat defining restriction features 30.

In the most preferred form the axle 18 includes a projection 40. In amost preferred form this projection 40 is an elongate feature which istransverse to the axial direction of the axle 18. It is this projectionwhich in combination with a corporative retention element or feature 80of the clipping feature 23, ensures that the tray 13 at least in onecondition of rotation of the tray to the base and lid is retained morethan in other rotational conditions.

The projection 40 is preferably provided extending from the axle in anorientation so that its greatest width (ie when viewed in a directionparallel to the axis XX) is provided transverse to the plane of the tray13 (when viewed in a direction parallel to the plane and to the axisXX). For example the longitudinal direction ZZ (see FIG. 12) istransverse to the plane YY of the tray 3. The axle I 8 upon itsinsertion between the legs 26,27 will also advance the projection 40between the cooperative retention features 80 of the clipping feature23.

With reference to FIG. 10, a most preferred form of the projection 40 isshown. The projection 40 comprises two portions 42 and 43 projectingfrom the axle 18 and each extending in opposite directions to eachother. The two portions are both lateral to the axle 18 and to the planeof the tray 13, and are optionally oriented in an offset relationship toeach other. The offseting of the portions is schematically shown in FIG.12B (when viewed from a direction parallel to the plane of the tray 13and perpendicular to the axis XX) and the reason for the optionaloffsetting will be explained later. Alternatively, The portions 42 and43 can be in a collinear relationship with each other as schematicallyshown in FIG. 12A (when viewed from a direction parallel to the plane ofthe tray 13 and perpendicular to the axis x).

With reference to FIG. 19 the clipping feature 23 is show viewed from adirection BB of FIG. 9. It can be seen that two legs 27 are providedprojecting from the spine S and at the mouth opening region 28, the twolegs are bridged by said cooperative retention feature 80. Thecooperative retention feature 80 extends between said two legs 27 in adirection parallel to the axle. It creates a slot 41 which may or maynot be open and within which the projection 40 (whether a singleprojection or provided in the form of its two portions 42,43) can freelyrotate in when the tray is being flipped from side to side. Yet itprovides a retention surface 81 which prevents the projection 40 frombeing removed, especially when the projection 40 is presented in amanner with its maximum width extending across clipping feature. Thecooperative retention feature 80 may be provided extending across legs27 or across legs 26 or both legs 27 and legs 26 may have suchcooperative retention feature 80 provided. With reference to FIG. 20 itcan be seen that in the alternative, the clipping feature may providethe cooperative retention feature 80 as a stub and it not bridgingbetween legs. Likewise FIG. 21 shows an alternative to FIG. 20 whichwould successfully be able to provide the cooperative retention feature80 in a manner to provide resistance to the movement of the projection40 and hence the tray from said clipping features.

For assembly of the tray with the clipping feature 23, the projection 40is oriented such that its maximum width is parallel to the direction ofengagement. Such is for example shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14 thedirection ZZ is parallel with the direction II, II being the directionto which the opening 28 of the slot 24 is presented. In such anorientation of the tray and hence the projection 40, a reduced width ofthe projection 40 is presented for insertion between the legs 26 and 27.A machine can be used for pressing the tray with the clipping feature23. In the most preferred form it can be seen that the tray 13 providesthe projection 40 such that the projection 40 is of a curved perimeter.In the example as shown in FIG. 10, the projection 40 (shown ascomprising two portions 42 and 43) is of an oval or elliptical shape butmay alternatively be of a trapezoidal shape or similar. It may in analternative form be of a rectangular shape but with the provision ofcurved edges to the retention feature 40, it can be more convenientlypressed between the legs 26 and 27.

When the tray becomes rotated so that its plane is parallel to thedirection of insertion to the clipping feature 23, the projection 40 isrotated such that its maximum width is presented to the insertiondirection and in such an orientation (as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10),as a result of the interaction between the projection 40 and thecooperative retention feature 80, it becomes significantly moredifficult or even impossible for the projection 40 and hence the tray 13to be removed from the clipping feature 23 in such an orientation In anormal mode of use, such an orientation is in a direction normal to theplanes of the lid and base when such are in the open and lay flatcondition as for example shown in FIG. 1. The assembly of the case ofthe present invention occurs by taking a tray 13 and orientating it suchthat the plane of the tray 13 is substantially perpendicular to thedirection of insertion for engagement of the tray with the clippingfeature 23. The tray is then pressed by pressing the axles 18 includingthe projection 40 into a clipping feature at both ends of the tray.

In order to allow for convenient processing, handling and assembly of acase of the present invention, the tray is designed so as to allow forit to be stacked one on top of each other with like trays. Such a stackof trays can be utilised for removal one by one of a tray for anassembly to define a case of the present invention. In order to allowfor convenient stacking to occur, the projection 40 is preferablydefined in a manner such that in the direction of stacking a firstportion 42 of the projection 40 is offset from a second portion 43 ofthe projection 40 extending in the opposite direction from the axis XXof the axle 18. Such an offset of the two portions of the projectiondisposed from each side of the axle 18 ensures that a plurality of trayscan be stacked one on top of each other (as shown in FIG. 8) withoutinterference occurring between the respective projections 40 of theways.

Another manner of looking at the configuration of the tray 13 and itsassociated projection 40 is that when looking down the axis (i.e.parallel to the axis) XX the projection 40 and the tray 13 form a “T”shaped configuration wherein the tray 13 defines the shank of the “T”shaped configuration and the portions 42 and 43 define the crossbar ofthe “T” shaped arrangement In the preferred form the portions 42 and 43extend from the axis XX in a manner so as to be collinear when viewed inthe XX direction however a linear offset of the portions 42 and 43 mayexist wherein a first portion 42 of the projection 40, for example maynot extend from the shank at the same distance along the shank as wherethe portion 43 extends from the shank. The portions will however extendlinearly in a parallel manner in such an alternative arrangement.

FIG. 12A illustrates a collinear relationship of the portions 43 and 42whereas FIG. 12B illustrates an offset but still parallel configurationof the portions 42 and 43.

With reference to FIGS. 22-28 there are shown a further inventionproviding enhancements to the prior art which may also be enhancementsincorporated with the invention so far described. The enhancements allowfor the tray 13 to be more securely held with respect to the case 1 atleast when the case 1 is in the closed condition. Provided to one of thelid 3 or base 2 portions of the case, is at least one locating feature90. The locating feature 90 as for example shown in FIG. 22 is providedto the base 2. With reference to FIG. 22 there are shown two locatingfeatures 90 which are presented as upstands from the base 2. In effect,the locating feature 90 provides a retention surface or surfaces of aconfiguration which allows for a complimentary surface 91 or surfaces ofa tray 13 to locate therewith. The locating feature 90 is shown locatedproximate to the hinge structure 4 but preferably away from the axis XX.The locating feature 90 in the configuration as shown in FIG. 22provides surfaces intermediate of which a ridge edge or flange 91 beingan upstand from the tray 13 can locate. The locating feature 90 providessuch surfaces to restrain any movement of the tray 13 in a directionparallel to direction XX when the ridge 91 is located intermediate ofthe surfaces of the locating feature 90. In this form, the locatingfeature 90 presents such surfaces to define a slot 92 therebetween intoand out of which the ridge 91 can move. When the tray 13 is parallel tothe base 2, the ridge is located within the slot 92 of the locatingfeature 90. The ridge 91 is (when the tray 13 is engaged with the case)aligned with the slot 92 between the upstands of the retention feature90 and when the tray is parallel or at least proximate to parallel withthe base 2 the ridge is located within such a slot 92. In such acondition the tray is restrained in movement in a direction parallel toaxis XX also by such a locating feature 90. Whilst in the preferred formthe locating feature or features 90 are shown proximate to the hingestructure 4, it will be appreciated that such a locating feature 90could be further away from the hinge structure 4. Indeed the locatingfeature 90 may be more proximate to the edge of the base 2 opposite tothe edge parallel to the hinge structure 4. Furthermore whilst there areshown two locating features 90 it will be appreciated that at least onesuch locating feature can provide the benefit of retention of the trayto prevent movement in a direction parallel to the direction XX. Whilstin the preferred form the ridge 91 is incorporated as part of a mouldedfeature of the tray 13, alternatively a surface cooperative with thelocating feature 90 of the case may be provided by way of an edge oropening of the tray 13. It may indeed be the upper edge and lower edgeof the tray 13 extending transverse from the axis of rotation XX. Inaddition or alternatively the locating feature 90 may be provided in amanner to also prevent or restrict the movement of the tray in adirection lateral to the direction of the axis XX. With reference toFIG. 28, there is shown a ridge 94 which extends in a direction parallelto the axis XX and which may locate with a locating feature 96 tothereby prevent movement of a tray in a direction lateral to thedirection of the axis XX. In a further or additional aspect a retentionfeature 97 may be provided which is an upstand or recess to receive acomplimentary recess or upstand 98 from the tray. For example theretention feature 97 may be a surface relief of the base 2 which definesa recess or aperture 99 or hole into which a projection 98 of the tray13 can locate. Such an aperture 99 will prevent movement of the trayrelative to the base in all directions in the plane parallel to the trayand base when the tray and base are so engaged with each other. Whilstreference has herein been made to the provision of the locating feature90 being provided in the form of two upstands from the tray 13 defininga slot 92 therebetween and wherein a corresponding ridge 91 is providedas part of the tray, it will be appreciated that in an alternative formthe upstands defining the slot 92 may be provided by the tray and theridge 91 be provided by the base. Likewise the relief feature 97 of thebase may alternatively be provided as part of the tray and theprojection 98 may be provided as part of the base. Aspects relating tothe locator features of the invention may also include the use andconfiguration the clipping aspects herein before described.

1. A media storage disk case comprising a first cover and a second coverand an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and secondcovers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first coverwith said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said firstand second covers are in overlaying engagement with each other to definean enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may belocated and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior, a trayincluding a means to mount a said media storage disk at least one trayclipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a)said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) said hinge, said trayclipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative toeach other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouthopening and wherein at least one leg is provided with a retentionelement said tray including an axle defining an axis of rotation forsaid tray, said axle captured in said slot between said pair of legs ina manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said coversabout the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said opencondition), said axle having extending therefrom at least one projectionextending transverse to the axis of rotation and cooperative with saidretention element at least when said tray is in a first relativerotational condition about said axis of rotation in which said tray isrestrained from being removed from said clipping means as a result ofengagement of said retention element with said projection.
 2. A mediastorage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray is a planartray without upstands save for said means to mount.
 3. A media storagedisk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray is a tray with an atleast in part perimeter upstanding wall.
 4. A media storage disk case asclaimed in claim 1 wherein when said axle is inserted between said pairof legs, said projection has a direction of projection which is lateralto said retention element and disposed to that side of said legs whichare mounted, said retention element presenting a surface towards theside where said legs are mounted, which surface provides interference tothe movement of said projection in a direction lateral to the axis ofrotation, said direction lateral being in a direction removing said trayfrom said clipping means.
 5. A media storage disk case as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said first relative rotational condition is when saidtray is parallel to the direction of projection of said clipping means.6. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said firstrelative rotational condition is when said tray is not transverse to thedirection of projection of said clipping means.
 7. A media storage diskcase as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray in another relativerotational condition is more easily removed from said clipping means,said rotation being when said tray is not parallel to the direction ofprojection of said clipping means.
 8. A media storage disk case asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said tray in another relative rotationalcondition is more easily removed from said clipping means, said otherrelative rotational condition is when said plane of said tray istransverse to the direction of projection of said clipping means.
 9. Amedia storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hinge is aspine which extends between and joins juxtaposed sides of said first andsecond cover and includes at least one hinge line to allow said pivotalmovement of said first and second covers.
 10. A media storage disk caseas claimed in claim 9 wherein first and second covers are of aquadrilateral plan shape and said spine extends between at least part ofand joins juxtaposed sides of said first and second cover.
 11. A mediastorage disk case as claimed in claims 9 or 10 wherein said spine is ofa width substantially equal to the thickness of said media storage diskcase when said covers are in said closed condition and said clippingmeans project from said spine.
 12. A media storage disk case as claimedin claim 9 wherein said spine is flanked by two hinge lines one on eachside thereof
 13. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid axle extends beyond the perimeter of said tray.
 14. A media storagedisk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said media storage disk case isa multi media storage disk case and wherein one of said first and seconddisk covers includes a media storage disk rosette for mounting a mediastorage disk.
 15. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1wherein said media storage disk case is, excluding said tray, a unitarymoulded member.
 16. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1wherein said axle extends within the perimeter of said tray.
 17. A mediastorage disk case as claimed in claims 1 or 13 wherein two said clippingmeans are provided and two corresponding axles are provided by saidtray, said two clipping means provided in a spaced apart relationship.18. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 17 wherein said twoaxles are provided at one edge of said tray.
 19. A media storage diskcase as claimed in claim 18 wherein said two axles are provided one eachat an end of said one edge of said tray.
 20. A media storage disk caseas claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray is of a size slightly smallerthat the plan shape size of said first and second covers.
 21. A mediastorage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said projection and saidretention element both positioned in a manner to be in alignment withina plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
 22. A media storage diskcase as claimed in claim 1 wherein said retention element extends from asaid leg in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
 23. A mediastorage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one legincludes recess (whether a through recess or a blind recess on the slotside of said clipping means) extending parallel to a plane perpendicularto said axis of rotation, said recess bounded in part by said retentionelement at a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted,wherein within said recess said projection is able to freely rotateabout said axis of rotation.
 24. A media storage disk case as claimed inclaim 1 wherein each leg includes a recess (whether a through recess ora blind recess on the slot side of said clipping means) extendingparallel to a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said recessin part bounded by said retention element at a location of said legabove at where said leg is mounted wherein within said recess saidprojection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.
 25. Amedia storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one legis arch shaped and provides an opening of a plane parallel to the saidaxis of rotation, said opening in part bounded by said retention elementat a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted, whereinwithin said opening said projection is able to freely rotate about saidaxis of rotation.
 26. A media storage disk case as claimed of claim 1wherein each said leg has extending there from a said retention element.27. A media storage disk case as claimed of claim 1 wherein said axleincludes two said projections lateral to the axis of rotation andextending in opposite directions to each other.
 28. A media storage diskcase as claimed in claim 27 wherein said projections are in alignmentwith each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said axis ofrotation.
 29. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 27 whereinsaid projections are off set from each other when viewed in a directionperpendicular to said axis of rotation.
 30. A media storage disk case asclaimed in claim 27 wherein said projections when seen in said directioncoaxial with said axis of rotation form with said tray a “T” shapedconfiguration, said tray being the shank of said “T” shape and saidprojections together define the cross bar member of said “T” shape. 31.A tray for a media storage disk case of a kind comprising a first coverand a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage saidfirst and second covers to each other to allow the movement of saidfirst and second covers between a closed condition wherein said firstand second covers are in overlapping engagement with each other todefine an interior enclosure therebetween within which at least onemedia storage disk may become secured and an open condition exposing theinterior, said tray comprising (1) a means to mount a said media storagedisk, said tray to be clipped to a clipping means of one of (a) one ofsaid covers and (b) said hinge, in a manner such that when said firstand second covers are in said open condition said tray can flip betweentwo rotational conditions, by being engaged at at least one clip fitclipping means which defines a slot between two legs resiliently movablerelative to each other (2) an axle to be captured between said slot saidaxle including at least one projection in a lateral direction to saidaxle which at least when said tray is in a first rotational conditionsis in interference with a retention member of said clipping means,retaining the tray in clip fit engagement more so than when said tray isin a second rotational condition.
 32. A media storage disk case withwhich a disk mounting tray can be engaged comprising a first cover and asecond cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first andsecond covers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said firstcover with said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein saidfirst and second covers are in overlapping engagement with each other todefine an enclosed interior within which at least one media storage diskmay be located and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior, atleast one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosure sidefrom one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) saidhinges, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legs resilientlymovable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining a slottherebetween with a mouth opening and wherein at least one leg isprovided with a retention element said case to receive a said tray of akind which includes a means to mount a said media storage disk and whichincludes, at the perimeter of said disk holding tray, an axle definingan axis of rotation of said tray, said axle captured between said pairof legs in manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to saidcovers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in saidopen condition), said axle having extending therefrom at least oneprojection extending transverse to the axis of rotation and cooperativewith said retention element at least when said tray is in a firstrelative rotational condition about said axis of rotation in which saidtray is restrained from being removed from said clipping means as aresult of engagement of said retention element with said projection. 33.A media storage disk case comprising a first cover and a second coverand an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and secondcovers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first coverwith said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said firstand second covers are in overlaying engagement with each other to definean enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may belocated and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior, a trayincluding a means to mount a said media storage disk at least one trayclipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a)said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) said hinge, said trayclipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative toeach other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouthopening said tray including an axle defining an axis of rotation forsaid tray, said axle captured in said slot between said pair of legs ina manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said coversabout the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said opencondition), said tray including a means cooperative with a locatorfeature disposed form the interior side of at least one of said firstand second covers when such are in said closed condition, in a manner torestrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction within orparallel to a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel.
 34. Amedia storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein said meanscooperative includes a surface which is located against a surface of alocator feature of at least one of said first and second covers whensuch are in said closed condition said surfaces provided in a manner torestrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction within aplane to which said axis of rotation is parallel, when said first andsecond covers are in said closed condition.
 35. A media storage diskcase as claimed in claim 33 wherein said means cooperative includes asurface extending at least in a direction parallel to the plane which islocated against a surface of a locator feature also extending at leastin a direction parallel to said plane when such are in said closedcondition.
 36. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 whereina surface of said means cooperative is located against a surface of alocator feature of at least one of said first and second covers whensuch arc in said closed condition said surfaces provided in a manner torestrain the movement of said tray in all directions within a plane towhich said axis of rotation is parallel and when said first and secondcovers are in said closed condition.
 37. A media storage disk case asclaimed in claim 33 wherein a surface of said means cooperative islocated against a locator feature of at least one of said first andsecond covers when such are in said closed condition, said locatorfeature being a projection from at least one of said first and secondcovers presenting a surface against which a surface of said meanscooperative is in said closed condition engaged in overlap when viewedin a direction parallel to said plane to restrain the movement of saidtray in at least one direction parallel to the direction of overlap. 38.A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein said meanscooperative is a projection from said tray.
 39. A media storage diskcase as claimed in claim 37 wherein said overlap is in a directionparallel to said axis of rotation.
 40. A media storage disk case asclaimed in claim 37 wherein said overlap is in a direction transverse tosaid axis of rotation.
 41. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim37 wherein said overlap is a direction parallel and transverse to saidaxis of rotation.
 42. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 38wherein said projection of said tray locates into a recess defined bysaid locator feature of one of said covers.
 43. A media storage diskcase as claimed in claim 42 wherein said recess of said locator featureis a gap provided between said projection thereof, comprising of twolegs.
 44. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein saidmeans cooperative is an edge of said tray.
 45. A media storage disk caseas claimed in claim 37 wherein said means cooperative is an aperturethrough said tray.
 46. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33wherein said means cooperative is a projection from said tray andpresents a surface located against a locator feature of at least one ofsaid first and second covers when such are in said closed condition,said locator feature selected from being one of an edge and aperture ofsaid at least one of said first and second covers which presenting asurface against which a surface of said projection is in said closedcondition engaged in an overlapping condition when viewed in a directionparallel to said plane to restrain the movement of said tray in at leastone direction parallel to the direction of overlap.
 47. A media storagedisk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein two said locator features andtwo corresponding means cooperative are provided,
 48. A media storagedisk case as claimed in claim 47 wherein said two locator features andtwo corresponding means cooperative are the same but located in spacedapart locations with respect to said case and said covers.